Dustin Poirier Revives Herb Dean Controversy With Hilarious ‘People’s Elbow’ Accusation
Dustin Poirier has reignited the debate around Herb Dean’s refereeing, hilariously recalling the time he claims the veteran official hit him with a “People’s Elbow” inside the Octagon.
Referee Herb Dean always seems to find himself in the spotlight for controversial decisions. He has faced criticism over his handling of illegal strikes, eye pokes, and fight stoppages across several recent events.
Some of the incidents include Shara Magomedov's fouls against Michel Pereira, the controversial finish in Vinicius Oliveira vs. Andre Fili, and an illegal knee during Dana White's Contender Series. Now, Dustin Poirier has also called out the UFC referee, this time for a very different reason.
Dustin Poirier and Jorge Masvidal Call Out Herb Dean Over His Refereeing
Dustin Poirier recently reacted to the controversy surrounding UFC referee Herb Dean and recalled a moment from UFC 291 when Justin Gaethje knocked him out. Poirier joked that Dean hit him with a 'people's elbow' while stepping in to stop the fight.
"Herb, Dean hit me with the people’s elbow in Salt Lake. Never forget!” Poirier said on UFC on Paramount. Adding to that, Jorge Masvidal said, "And that’s what we’re talking about, his nervous energy. Why you doing that bro?”
Masvidal also criticized Dean's reaction, saying he gets too nervous in those situations and could have simply waved off the fight instead of making physical contact. Dana White has also previously weighed in on Dean's refereeing.
Dana White Admits Alex Pereira Took Illegal Shots, Questions Herb Dean's Refereeing
White admitted that Alex Pereira took some illegal shots to the back of the head during his fight against Ciryl Gane at the UFC White House. However, he explained that these things can happen when fighters are scrambling on the ground and the action is moving quickly.
"Maybe Herb Dean should have said something there like 'Hey, watch out for hitting the back of his head' or warned him, or done something along those lines.” White said.
He defended Pereira's complaints, saying ‘Poatan’ isn't someone who makes excuses after fights, so he genuinely believes the illegal shots affected him. Fans are now hoping Pereira bounces back with a strong win in his next fight and puts himself back in contention for the heavyweight belt.
